Tax Filing, Returns, Rebates and Relief

The tax refund season is upon us again, and everyone has started itching for their W-2's and the like. This is the only time of the year where we get a big bonus, or a return of our own hard money from those three lovely letters the I.R.S. Some people may be a tad bit worried about being audited and are looking for reputable companies to file their taxes with. I'll give a listing of the best companies from experience. First and foremost if you wish to be inexpensive on the amount of money the company that processes your taxes for you, I advise you do it your self.

Turbo Tax - This is great software that makes it easier for you to get nearly all of your hard earned money back. This software will walk you through the process of filing step by step even showing you the amount you will receive and the way it changes through these steps. Overall you get an estimate on your return until it is completed, then you will receive the actual return amount. A luxury some people rarely take advantage of is an audit protection. Audit protection is definitely needed, I believe for those that are attempting to file their taxes early and are going by the previous year filing and forms, because they just can't wait for their Employer to send the needed documents in the mail, however don't let this be the only reason that audit protection is given. If ever you are contacted by the I.R.S for a problem with your taxes then the faithful company of Turbo Tax will help you. Filing is Free!!! Yet the return of your money will take a few days for Federal Returns and at times a few weeks for State Returns. For more information and where to receive this software go to

H & R Block and Similar Entities - These type of companies, where I've had the luxury of trying out many a year ago is a wonderful company with swift workings. You see going to these offices you actually get to sit with a Preparer and have them figure out ways to get you more on your return. You see these preparers normally have take courses with the company in order to learn new laws and to get the customer the biggest return for their money. However, I remember one terrible year where I took a W-2 for something like $189, only to have them want to take like $160, and leave me with $29. Psshh ya. Of course, I took my little W-2 and left and eventually got a better deal with a private preparer. H & R Block and similar companies also offers you, your money up front, something like a loan but more like an advance, leaving them with the actual return so everyone is able to break even. H & R Block and Similar Entities, also offers and audit protection where they'll go up to bat for you, and normally if there was a mistake made by their employee in your taxes causing the I.R.S to want to fine you. As far as I can see under normal circumstances they take care of it based on it being their mistake. For more information go to

Private Preparer - This can be family members, friends, or complete strangers. These are the people as long as they are legit will normally charge you less on filing your taxes. Some of these people also know special ways to get you a better return. Normally during this time you can see these private preparers on the street passing out cards and flyers this time of year kind of like the bell ringers around Christmas. The only things is most of these individuals don't offer audit protection, so any problem you have you just might be on your own. Don't misinterpret what I just typed, some, I repeat, some, don't offer audit protection not all, and you will wait a few days before receiving payment.

So now that you have options, think about what you want to do. Do you want to do it yourself with Turbo Tax and get your hard earned money back with minor subtractions? Would you go to a larger company like H & R Block and have a big chunk of your hard earned money in their hand instead of yours yet you get your return check the same day, and possibly get more than you would have had either way? How about taking a chance on a Private Preparer, because these individuals know a few tricks of the tax trade too, although not with the most protection? Either way always weigh your options because all of these entities are vying for your business but make sure you get the best deal in the long run like buying a car or fruit.

www.turbotax.com.www.hrblock.com.